FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.10.2008 10:39

Regal Barça land in LA

Carles Cascante (enviat especial)

The Californian city of Los Angeles has welcomed Regal FC Barcelona. The players were met by sun and high temperatures, and though visibly tired, they were also looking forward to the experience ahead.

The players, coaches, directors and members of the basketball sports commission were worn out by the ten hour flight from Paris, where the team had changed flights before crossing the Atlantic. They touched down at LAX airport at 4.15 in the afternoon, local time.

Long wait

Although the flight was only half an hour late, the players didn’t step into the arrivals lounge until and hour later. The reason was the strict security measures that are now in place in North American airports.

Immigration control is an exhaustive process, especially when people arrive in the USA on tourist grounds. The tragedy of September 11, 2001 is still fresh in the minds of many, and Americans are still highly sensitive to security issues.

Tired but excited

Regal FC Barcelona captain, Roger Grimau, spoke about the historic opportunity this tour means for the team: “We hope to make the best of it. I am sure that what really thrills us is being able to play the Lakers and to do so in the Staples Center. I think this is a unique opportunity for us and I am sure it is something we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives.”